The way you treat your body at a young age determines how well it will serve you in the later stage of life. The same can be said for your lungs. How your lung functioning develops during your life affects whether and when you will be affected by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). According to a study conducted in 2011 and published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, experiencing limitations in lung growth in the first decades of life may lead to COPD later on. Here is a list for those interested in knowing factors you must not get exposed to in your early years to prevent developing COPD. Have a look!
Common early life risk factors that may predispose to COPD
1. Preterm delivery & low birth weight:
Most people blame their life choices for developing COPD, but the truth is that complications at birth can also increase the risk of the disease. Experts suggest that preterm delivery and low birth weight are linked with the risk of impaired lung functioning. Besides, inhaling tobacco smoke when the baby is still in the uterus is also a risk factor. If you are born with any of these conditions, you should be extra cautious to ensure the well-being of your lungs.
2. Occupational exposure:
If your parents work at a place where there is an increased quantity of dust, chemicals, gases, and pesticides present in the atmosphere, it is advisable to be cautious. One can talk to pulmonologists to understand the effects and get tips on reducing exposure in children.
3. Asthma and childhood infections:
Individuals with a history of a lung infection may also develop COPD or impaired lung functioning. These problems can result in asthma or signs of chronic bronchitis. Because of this, you may also catch childhood pneumonia. As a result, not just your lung functioning will decrease, which will increase the risk of COPD, but the effects of COPD will also worsen later in life.
4. Biomass fuel exposure:
Experts claim that the biomass exposure rate is three times higher than smoking. Many people get exposed to the residue and pollution of burning wood in the early years. It not only increases the risk of COPD but also makes you more vulnerable to asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, and lung cancer.
5. Exposure to polluted air:
If you had to face prolonged exposure to air pollution from vehicles or factories in your early years, the risk of COPD could increase. It may be higher in women because of the link between traffic exposure and poor lung performance in females. Being exposed to dirty and unclean air can also damage lung function in adolescents. So, make sure to stay away from places where the amount of pollutants present in the air is high.
So, these are a few things that children should not be exposed to during the early years of life. Exposure to these risk factors can make you rely on non invasive ventilation for breathing assistance.
